What is Keyhole Surgery?
Keyhole surgery, or minimally invasive surgery, is a surgical method used to access the interior of the body through a small incision, removing the need for open surgery.[1][2] Keyhole surgery is most commonly used to access the abdomen and the…
What is Acute Bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis – also commonly called a chest cold – is a short-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes which carry air to and from the lungs. Its principal symptom is coughing. This is often accompanied by:[1][2] Wheezing Shortness of breath…
What are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swellings that occur when the blood vessels in and around the lower rectum and anal canal become enlarged or swollen. This may cause itching, bleeding and discomfort, though in some cases, no symptoms at…
What is Chronic Renal Failure?
Chronic renal failure is a condition involving a decrease in the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and fluid from the blood. It is chronic, meaning that the condition develops over a long period of time and is not reversible. The…
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a skin condition that affects the face. It is not contagious, but it is very common: in the United Kingdom, for example, about one in 10 adults are affected,[1] and, according to recent statistics, over 16 million Americans.[2]…
What is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo?
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common condition of the inner ear. This condition causes short episodes of dizziness (vertigo) associated with certain head movements. These episodes are caused by particles (crystals) irritating the semicircular canals, the part of…
What is Epstein-Barr Virus?
The Epstein-Barr virus is a common virus that infects only humans. It can cause a condition known as infectious mononucleosis, mono or glandular fever. The Epstein-Barr virus is a member of the human herpesvirus family and is also known as…
What is Thyroiditis?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland found in the lower neck, just beneath Adam’s apple. The hormones this gland releases control the body’s growth and metabolism. They affect processes like heart rate, digestion and temperature. Thyroid hormones are also essential…
What is Chronic Bronchitis?
Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition causing inflammation and irritation of the bronchial tubes – the airways through which air passes to and from the lungs. People with chronic bronchitis will typically experience a persistent cough that will often bring…
What is Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary heart disease is a condition in which the arteries that supply the heart become hardened and narrowed over time. This results in a decreased supply of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle, the myocardium. This can cause serious…
What is Nonbacterial Prostatitis?
Nonbacterial prostatitis is a condition in which there is persistent pain in the area around the prostate gland. This condition is also sometimes called chronic (long-lasting) prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Although the condition is called prostatitis, it is…
What is Acute Varicella Zoster (Chickenpox)?
Varicella-zoster is a virus that can cause an acute infection called chickenpox. This virus also causes shingles. It is a member of the human herpesvirus family, which is made up of eight viruses that affect humans. The varicella-zoster virus is…